Powerful earthquake kills at least 40 in Indonesia

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 40 people and injuring 50, according to disaster officials. The quake caused significant damage to dozens of buildings and prompted the evacuation of about 2,000 residents. Rescue teams, including two helicopters and a plane, were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts, but conditions were complicated by landslides that blocked roads.

Two helicopters and a plane were being readied to assist in rescue operations as rescue teams worked to locate victims trapped under rubble. The earthquake's epicenter was located off the north coast of Flores Island. A second, deep underwater quake with a magnitude of 6.9 was reported near Pematangsiantar on Sumatra Island later that day, but there were no initial reports of damage or casualties.